The actor Andrew Wheeler discusses his role as the Prime Minister in Michael Healey’s play Proud, playing at the Firehall Arts Centre 07-25 April 2015, Stephen Harper, politics, theatre in Vancouver, and more, with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, at TheCommentary.ca.

The Firehall Arts Centre is mounting Michael Healey’s play Proud again this season. It was a big hit last year, and it returns 07 April 2015, running until 25 April 2015. The play is a political satire that portrays a Prime Minister that’s a lot like Stephen Harper. It’s the fall of 2011, and the Conservatives have won the largest majority in Canadian history, taking Quebec. Harper now has a large caucus, including Jisbella, a young MP, played by Emmelia Gordon, who reprises her Jessie Award nominated performance. There’s also Kyle Jespersen, who plays the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff. Joining me now is Andrew Wheeler, who returns as the Prime Minister. I’ll ask him about what it’s like portraying Stephen Harper, and his experiences with this play, and this remounted production. We’ll touch upon the satire in this show, as well as the depiction of the dysfunctions in our politics, our government, and our discourse. Andrew Wheeler is a noted actor in this town, most recently seen in the Arts Club’s production of One Man, Two Guvnors. Visit www.firehallartscentre.ca for tickets and information. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Andrew Wheeler; Mr. Wheeler, good morning.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (15.8MB)

Subscribe: RSS